The Role Tactical Security Guards Play in Retail and Community Businesses

Tactical security guards play an important role in safeguarding a variety of establishments. With their distinct training and expertise, these guards offer a strong deterrent factor against theft and disruptive behaviour, while fostering an environment of safety and trust. In this blog, we’ll focus on two key areas where tactical security guards can commonly be found: retail businesses and community support programs. 

What is Tactical Security?

Tactical security guards provide a strong deterrence to theft and disruptive behaviour. These guards wear full vests and gear, embodying an authoritative presence at the sites they protect. Their presence sends a clear message that a site is well-protected and monitored. 

Tactical security guards maintain a strong security environment and undergo rigorous training to enable them to handle a wide variety of high-risk situations. In addition to deterrence, they uphold an environment of safety and function as trusted members of the community. 

What Sets Tactical Security Guards Apart From Uniformed Security Guards?

In addition to standard security guard licensing, Blackbird Security guards undergo rigorous in-house training to equip them with the skills they need to provide top-level security services for our clients. Tactical security guard trainees must take additional courses to prepare them with the unique skills to handle high-risk situations. 

One of these courses is Use of Force training, where tactical security guards learn how to apprehend criminals in a manner that minimizes risk safely. Other courses include First Aid Training, Conflict De-Escalation Training Level 2, Health and Safety Training, and St. John’s Mental Health First Aid Training.

At Blackbird, our tactical security guards are often the first people customers and site staff meet. Our security team members prioritize a customer service approach to security, ensuring they function as an extension of our clients’ teams. We emphasize professionalism, communication skills, and techniques for calmly handling situations throughout our training process. 

Where are Tactical Security Guards Deployed?

While tactical security guards are most commonly found in retail environments, they are also deployed to institutional, construction, and event sites. Tactical security guards provide the highest degree of protection to any site where they’re deployed, communicating clearly that an area is monitored.

Tactical Security Guards in Retail

Tactical security guards are a staple of retail businesses. They provide a strong element of visual deterrence and are trained to effectively recognize the signs of theft, proactively prevent thefts before they happen, and recover stolen merchandise. At businesses where Blackbird Security’s tactical guards have been deployed, retailers have seen reduced inventory shrink and financial loss due to thefts.

In a retail security environment, tactical guards can work simultaneously with undercover loss prevention security guards, to provide a multi-pronged approach to security. Loss prevention guards specialize in observing potential criminal activity up close within aisles. Having both tactical security guards and loss prevention guards on-site provides the ability to both effectively monitor and safely apprehend any thieves. 

Like all Blackbird Security guards, tactical security guards provide detailed reporting for our clients and leadership via TrackTik. This allows business owners to understand and monitor their security strategy daily, as comprehensively as desired. 

Tactical Security Guards in the Community

At Blackbird Security, we believe that security guards no longer merely function as a means of intimidation and threat deterrence. Rather, they stand as beacons of support and safety within communities. That’s why we partner with community organizations such as the Vancouver Downtown Eastside Market, Ontario’s Operation Sharing, and BC Housing to provide tactical security guard services to help marginalized community members. 

The additional training undergone by tactical security guards equips them with the tools they need to support both staff and community members at organizations like the ones listed above. Our team members prioritize de-escalation and peaceful conflict resolution, providing a safe environment for all. 

Tactical security guards can act as helpful and friendly extensions of community outreach staff teams, assisting members of the community. Community members frequently approach security guards while on duty, who can assist them with questions and point them in the right direction to access help. 

Partner With Canada’s Best Tactical Security Company

Whether protecting retail assets, supporting vulnerable communities, or safeguarding other industries, the presence of tactical security guards signifies a commitment to safety and well-being. In 2024, Blackbird Security believes the security industry’s role extends beyond physical protection; it builds resilient and compassionate communities based on support and safety. 

Are you a decision-maker at your business or community service looking for a team of tactical security guards? Reach out to us at the form below to learn how we can help keep your site protected.